Lavender

How does Lavender work?

Lavender contains an oil that seems to have sedating effects and might relax certain muscles.

Are there safety concerns?

Lavender seems to be safe for most adults. When taken by mouth, lavender can cause constipation, headache, and increased appetite.

Applying lavender to the skin can sometimes cause irritation.

Applying products to the skin that contain lavender oil might not be safe for young boys who have not yet reached puberty. Lavender oil seems to have hormone effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy's body. In some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breast growth called gynecomastia. The safety of these products when used by young girls is not known.

Do not take lavender if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You are scheduled for surgery in the next two weeks. Lavender might cause excessive sedation if combined with medications used during and after surgery.